Let’s start with some definitions.
Foster: Pet fostering provides temporary care to shelter animals who need to live in a home environment prior to adoption. While pet fostering is ideal for some people, it is not for everyone.
Foster Fail: We all have heard the term on fostering a cute pup or cat and then “failing” by adopting them. Great success! But what about foster failure? Great deterioration.
WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC?
Record high numbers of pet adoptions and record low euthanasia rates in high kill shelters. Why? Because everyone was home and wanted a furry friend.
WHAT HAPPENED WHEN THE WORLD OPENED UP?
Return to sender. Owner surrenders. Rehoming rates skyrocketing.
WHAT DID WE DO ABOUT IT?
Humans naturally do not want to watch animals suffer, be euthanized, or be without homes. Hundreds and hundreds of inexperienced citizens volunteered to temporarily foster animals.
Inexperienced fosters have been doing a disservice to rescue and shelter dogs post pandemic.
If you’re feeling like a foster failure and that you can use some tips/tricks on proper fostering, reach out to local dog trainers and behaviorists such as All American Dog Training Academy.
HOPE AND DAVE SPRINGS, OWNERS OF ALL AMERICAN DOG TRAINING ACADEMY SHED SOME LIGHT ON THIS ISSUE OUR RESCUE ANIMALS ARE CURRENTLY FACING.
What can we do as people to assist in the foster crisis that we currently have?
Education is key, the more you know the easier it is to get involved. Offering a complimentary class about the dog, breed, and traits would be good.
What ideal experience does a potential foster have?
Experience with the dog, have a love for animals and a comfy place for them to become a great dog! Less stressful environments to allow dogs to acclimate. A foster should have background checks, vet recommendations and home check – to ensure that the dog will be the right fit.
What should a foster be doing to benefit the animal they are fostering?
Giving time to open up! get a routine in place ASAP so that the foster can get adjusted and allow for them to feel safe. Proper socialization, basic commands, and ability to understand the needs and well being of the foster. MUST also have one on one communication with the group or facility you are fostering from.
How did the pandemic affect pet ownership?
A Lot of people got a pandemic pet(s) because they were working from home and wanting a companion to keep them company, now that we are starting to transition back to work, people are not making time to care for their foster/ or pet. As a training company we saw a 38% increase in training pets.
What should a pet foster or new owner do when they are feeling overwhelmed?
CALL the facility or rescue to get assistance. They are a wealth of knowledge and are giving you support through the whole process. Ask a trainer! They are usually willing to help as much as possible to make sure you are successful!
What type of person shouldn’t foster an animal?
One who works a lot or travels a lot. One that cannot attend to feeding, watering, housebreaking or spending time with them. Someone who doesn’t like animals or has a home with small children and they cannot care for the foster. A person who has had a background of animal cruelty, or abandonment.
How much time should someone commit to a foster animal?
At least 6mo. It takes roughly 3 months for acclimation so 6mo gives the foster a time to adjust and learn the new routine.
How can we get more qualified people to foster?
Education, Offering courses to foster pawrents. Even offering a complimentary training session to learn a few commands that would be helpful. I think having the fosters take a course about the breed is really important too. Some need more care than others and some fosters aren’t aware until it’s too late.
– HOPE + DAVE SPRINGS, ALL AMERICAN DOG TRAINING ACADEMY
